The 404th MEB now wears the U.S. Africa Command patch just below the American flag, signifying deployment in a combat zone. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. Travel Information, An official website of the United States Government, Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, Office of the U.S. Before 2035, Djibouti is expected to finish several major infrastructure projects including: a natural gas pipeline, a liquefaction plant, an export terminal, a geothermal plant, renewable energy projects, and what will be Africas largest free trade zone, the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone. The 404th MEB Soldiers earned their patches while deployed to CJTF-HOA, located at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, the only permanent military base on the African continent. note: data are in current year dollars$3.425 billion (2020 est.) 202-331-0270). note: data are in current year dollars$4.764 billion (2019 est. "How well this mission is executed determines the U.S. and its partners' overall objective as the partner of choice for Djibouti.". ), lowest 10%: 2.4%highest 10%: 30.9% (2002), revenues: $717 million (2017 est. (Air Force photo by Master Sgt. As part of the ceremonial honors, Zana placed the combat patch on Col. Justin Towell, of Edwardsville, Illinois, CJTF-HOA chief of staff and also the commander of the 404th MEB, as well as the rest of the MEB command group. In the energy sector, USAID works to strengthen the enabling environment and regulatory framework, build the capacity of the Office for the Development of Geo-thermal Energy, and support provision of electricity and safe drinking water to Djiboutians without these services. Al-Shabaab, the largest, wealthiest and most lethal al-Qaeda affiliate in the world, continues violent attacks like the one in Ceel-Baraf last week. Djibouti hosts the only enduring U.S. military presence in Africa at Camp Lemonnier, established by formal agreement in 2003. These exercises are regularly scheduled and reflect potential, real-world scenarios that offer realistic training that allows us to more effectively prepare for crisis response.. )$5.121 billion (2019 est. Maj. Alan Meyer, senior enlisted leader, 196th MEB. Pictured are, left to right: Capt. More than 50 US government interagency officials working in more than 10 countries throughout East Africa met together in Djibouti for the 2022 East Africa Security Forum on May 11, 2022. Additional Resources INTRODUCTION Following the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Djibouti, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), His Excellency (H.E Mr.) Moussa Faki MAHAMAT, on the proposal of H.E. "Africa is home to a complex security environment - ripe with opportunity and challenges alike. ), total population: 65.61 yearsmale: 63.04 yearsfemale: 68.25 years (2023 est. A new railroad connecting Djibouti City and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia began operations in early 2018. 0-14 years: 28.65% (male 140,365/female 139,299)15-64 years: 67.21% (male 284,488/female 371,529)65 years and over: 4.15% (2023 est.) Djibouti is challenged by a rapidly expanding workforce without the necessary skills to meet the economic needs of the country, resulting in high unemployment as well as unfilled high-skilled jobs. Planning for crisis response: personnel recovery professionals collaborate, train for recovery operations. Educational and cultural exchange programs cement people-to-people ties between the United States and Djibouti. One thing I really appreciate about the Army is the high standard we hold for recognition, said Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. The 404th MEB Soldiers earned their patches while deployed to CJTF-HOA, located at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, the only permanent military base on the African continent. )subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2020 est. It is amazing to see your Soldier work tirelessly to accomplish any mission put before them. Gary Brown, Sgt. The ambassador is also the U.S. diplomatic representative to IGAD, which is headquartered in Djibouti. After much dilly-dallying, Kigali appears to have ultimately ruled out the deployment in the short term of the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) to the north of Benin. The Djibouti deployed forces to join the AU Mission in Somalia Horn of Africa is a hub for U.S. counterterrorism efforts: . The 404th MEB Soldiers earned their patches while deployed to CJTF-HOA, located at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, the only permanent military base on the African continent. President Biden committed the United States to be the worlds arsenal for vaccines, leading an international and coordinated vaccination effort, and announced that the United States will provide 1.2 billion doses of safe, effective vaccines free of cost to meet global needs and save lives now. )note: data are in 2017 dollars, 4.81% (2021 est. ), 248 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est. Jason Coln, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command senior enlisted leader, observes as members of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade wait to receive their combat patches, a military milestone earned while serving in hostile conditions, March 17, 2022. I look forward to the progress that will result from this forum and how we can all work together to promote a more secure and stable region," Townsend added. In addition to policy, strategy and security, the participants were also introduced to other ways U.S. assets could be benefit East Africa. The 196th MEB arrived in East Africa in September. USAID Djibouti Page The U.S. has signed a trade and investment framework agreement with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, of which Djibouti is a member. ), inadequate supplies of potable water; water pollution; limited arable land; deforestation (forests threatened by agriculture and the use of wood for fuel); desertification; endangered species, party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlandssigned, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements, particulate matter emissions: 40.38 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est. )beer: 0.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est. The contingent is commanded by Colonel Osman Doubad. When President Donald Trump ordered the repositioning of all troops from Somalia in late 2020, a large portion of the mission fell upon CJTF-HOA in support of Special Operations Command Africa. Cody H. Ramirez), Maj. Gen. William Zana, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participates in a patching ceremony with members of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, March 17, 2022. ), total: 46.02 deaths/1,000 live birthsmale: 53.12 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 38.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2023 est. The AFRICOM patch has a light blue oval-shaped embroidered emblem coming to a point at top and bottom, two palm fronds crossed at base proper, surmounted by a blue oval shield edged with a red border bearing the green landmasses of Africa. Djibouti hosts modern port facilities, which enable the growth of the logistics and services sector. CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Rear Adm. Brad Collins, commander of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central (EURAFCENT), toured Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ), surveying the Command's unique. Djibouti's total population was 1.01 million in January 2022.. Data show that Djibouti's population increased by 14 thousand (+1.4 percent) between 2021 and 2022.. 47.5 percent of Djibouti's population is female, while 52.5 percent of the population is male.. At the start of 2022, 78.4 percent of Djibouti's population lived in urban centres, while 21.6 . Because of its political stability and its strategic location at the confluence of East Africa and the Gulf States along the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, Djibouti is a key transit point for migrants and asylum seekers heading for the Gulf States and beyond. Naval Forces Africa and Commander, Navy Installations Command. the CAF has nearly 1,400 military personnel forward deployed for NATO air, land, and sea missions in the European theater, including up to 650 troops in Latvia and 140 in Romania (2022) The Winter 2021 edition is the first in a series of semi-annual reports aimed at analyzing development trends and constraints in Djibouti. The MEB and other units at Camp Lemonnier filled thousands of sandbags and reinforced numerous bunkers. )industrial: 0 cubic meters (2017 est. The 404th MEB Soldiers earned their patches while . Additionally, Djiboutis port serves landlocked Ethiopia, which receives substantial U.S. food aid. "The 196th has accomplished so many missions here that should make everyone at home proud of their service member," said Meyer. A bilateral agreement with the government of Djibouti also provides the United States with access to Djiboutis port facilities and airport. Each EDRE serves to reinforce the U.S. partnership with host countries and to validate the EARFs capabilities to execute their mission across the Horn of Africa. Norfolk Southern train derails in Springfield, Ohio, At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant to "take some time away" from the team after allegedly brandishing a gun in a club, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Promising drug could provide alternative to statins, new study finds, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days. The 404th MEB deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa in early 2022. The MEB planned exercises, ensuring the EARF was ready to deploy to assist anywhere in Africa. The Djiboutian government is supportive of U.S. interests and proactively promotes countering violent extremism; hosts the only enduring U.S. military presence in Africa at Camp Lemonnier, established by formal agreement in 2003; and provides the U.S. with access to Djibouti's port facilities and airport. "The 196th MEB is the nucleus of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa," said Maj. Gen. Lapthe Flora, commanding general, CJTF - HOA. Brigade receive their combat patch, a military milestone earned while serving in hostile conditions, March 17, 2022. Members of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, headquartered in Normal, Illinois, celebrated a milestone in their military careers as they received their combat patch, for military members serving in hostile conditions, March 17, 2022. Approximately 70% of the population lives in cities and towns (predominantly in the capital, Djibouti). February 18, 2022 / 9:03 AM / CBS News A look at Africa's only U.S. military base A look at Camp Lemonnier Djibouti, the only U.S. military base in Africa 03:32 ), 31.8% of GDP (2017 est. Efforts such as the Djibouti workforce development program (WFD), which ended in 2022, have helped youth build entrepreneurial skills, enhance their English language skills, and prepare them to become leaders in industries like transportation and logistics, tourism, hospitality, and construction. ), $1.954 billion (31 December 2017 est. Djibouti is a poor, predominantly urban country, characterized by high rates of illiteracy, unemployment, and childhood malnutrition. Strategically located in the Horn of Africa at the mouth of the Red Sea, Djibouti is a key U.S. partner on security, regional stability, and humanitarian efforts across the region. The 404th MEB Soldiers earned their patches while deployed to CJTF-HOA, located at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, the only permanent military base on the African continent. )forest: 0.2% (2018 est. Djiboutis Membership in International Organizations. More information about Djibouti is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here: CIA World Factbook Djibouti Page In the late 19th century, treaties signed by the Afar sultans with the French allowed the latter to establish the colony of French Somaliland in 1862. Ambassador Bankole ADEOYE, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union (PAPS/AU), deployed this high-level Technical Mission to observe the legislative . South Dakota Soldiers shared a variety of South Dakota culture with the non-South Dakota members of CJTF-HOA. Of the 209,700 vaccine doses, 100% were donated in partnership with COVAX. "; the presence of several naval task forces in the Gulf of Aden and additional anti-piracy measures on the part of ship operators, including the use of on-board armed security teams, contributed to the drop in incidents; the EU naval mission, Operation ATALANTA, continues its operations in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean through 2022; naval units from China, India, Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, the US, and other countries also operate in conjunction with EU forces; China has established a base in Djibouti to support its deployed naval units in the Horn of Africa, al-Shabaabnote: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in Appendix-T. Djibouti-Somalia: Djibouti maintains economic ties and border accords with "Somaliland" leadership while maintaining some political ties to various factions in Somalia; Djibouti-Eritrea: in 2008, Eritrean troops moved across the border on Ras Doumera peninsula and occupied Doumera Island with undefined sovereignty in the Red Sea; the Eritrean occupation of remote Doumeira Island and portions peninsula persists unabated as of September 2009; porous boundary over largely uninhabited areas provides access for smuggling and other illegal activities; as of 7 June 2010, Qatar was mediating Eritrea-Djibouti border dispute. )consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est. )exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est. "The MEB comprises 80 percent of the headquarters, but the other 20 percent are individuals from around the country that bring the missing talent the headquarters needs to succeed," said Col. David Dailey, commander, 196th MEB. Cody H. Ramirez), Members of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade listen to Maj. Gen. William Zana, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, after receiving their combat patch, a military milestone earned while serving in hostile conditions, March 17, 2022. Dustin Jordan, 196th Maneuver Enhancement BrigadeApril 29, 2021. The exercise included manoeuvres, flying operations for vertical replenishment, visit and board operations, and communication procedures. (approximately $150 million)2.7% of GDP (2016 est.) What makes our EDRE exercises so beneficial is that for the majority of them we are working alongside our partners in the region and at the actual DoS facilities that we may be called upon to support, said MacDonald. Cody H. Ramirez), Members of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade wait to receive their combat patch, a military milestone earned while serving in hostile conditions, March 17, 2022. The training was conducted as far west as Timbuktu, Mali, with troops and cargo transported by air over 4,800 miles round trip. During the deployment, they trained and operated with their Djiboutian partners as well as. ), total subscriptions: 434,035 (2020 est. Djibouti is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). )33.7% of GDP (2016 est. "As the principal sourcing for the entire HOA staff, the 196th MEB owns the CJTF-HOA mission to respond to crises, ensure strategic access and influence in Djibouti, support operations in Somalia, and serve as the senior command of the Djibouti Base Cluster," said Robertson. )28.39% (2020 est. Three indirect fire drills were conducted during the deployment. )wine: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est. CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI 03.17.2022 Story by Spc. About eight miles from Camp Lemonnier is a 90-acre plot of land, recently acquired by China. Brookelyn Nelson and . One of the key goals shared by the governments of Djibouti and the United States is to strengthen Djiboutis economy and grow our economic partnership by increasing employment in the Djiboutian workforce. ), improved: urban: 87.7% of populationrural: 24.2% of populationtotal: 73.8% of populationunimproved: urban: 12.3% of populationrural: 75.8% of populationtotal: 26.2% of population (2020 est. "Africa is home to a complex security environment - ripe with opportunity and challenges alike. Djibouti enjoys a lucrative role as a landlord. The military of the United States is deployed in most countries around the world, with between 160,000 to 170,000 of its active-duty personnel stationed outside the United States and its territories. Cody H. Ramirez), Maj. Gen. William Zana, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), returns a salute to a member of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade after placing a newly earned combat patch on the Soldier, March 17, 2022. "Not only does their day-to-day work impact people on this continent, but it builds a foundation of trust and improvement for the follow-on units to continue strengthening. ), number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020)inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 4, total: 3over 3,047 m: 12,438 to 3,047 m: 11,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021), total: 101,524 to 2,437 m: 1914 to 1,523 m: 7under 914 m: 2 (2021), total: 97 km (2017) (Djibouti segment of the 756 km Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway)standard gauge: 97 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge, total: 33by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 1, general cargo 2, oil tanker 8, other 21 (2021), Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD): Army, Navy, Air Force; Djibouti Coast Guard; Ministry of Interior: National Gendarmerie, National Police (2022)note: the National Police is responsible for security within Djibouti City and has primary control over immigration and customs procedures for all land border-crossing points, while the National Gendarmerie is responsible for all security outside of Djibouti City, as well as for protecting critical infrastructure within the city, such as the international airport, 3.5% of GDP (2019 est.) )industry: 17.3% (2017 est. and strengthening job placement and retention services. Bareis, who will celebrate 20 years with the sheriff's department in November, said the upcoming deployment to a U.S. Operationally, the concept is more complex. It is the JSDF's first full-scale, long term overseas base. In early February, when the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine arrived, the surgeon cell immediately worked on a plan and distributed vaccines to everyone who elected to be vaccinated. The event brought rescue professionals together to improve the collective capability to save American, allied and partner nation lives. The landmasses of Africa symbolize the continents fortitude and the commands area of operation. In addition to the no-fail mission to support DoS, the EARF is postured to respond to a broad range of military operations including support for non-combatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, recovery of aircraft and personnel, support to U.S. embassies and other missions as directed. )imports of goods and services: -66.4% (2017 est. Transport of the EARF is supported by Marine and Air Force air components: currently the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (VMM-163) with MV-22 Osrey or the 75th Air Expeditionary Squadron with C-130J Super Hercules. Over the past 20 years, CJTF-HOA has evolved to meet each new challenge; you are going to watch the task force continue to evolve, witnessing it first-hand.. These imports include coffee, vegetables, perfumery, and cosmetics. "An example of what they have done is the repositioning from Somalia. Djibouti is strategically located in the Horn of Africa and is a key U.S. partner on security, regional stability, and humanitarian efforts across the region. The Japan Self-Defense Force Base Djibouti (Japanese: , Hepburn: Jibuchi Kyouwakoku ni okeru Jieitai Kyoten) is a military base operated by the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) located in Ambouli, Djibouti alongside the Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport.. We are serving in Africa during a remarkable time. U.S. Embassy The signal section (J6) held a several-month training that culminated in the first combined three-day exercise with the Djiboutian military. Djiboutis economic growth is hindered by a rapidly expanding workforce that is poorly matched to the economic needs of the country, resulting in high unemployment, and a lack of qualified applicants for jobs in certain sectors. Follow us. Over the past ten years the unit has been building the skills, utilizing many training exercises in preparation for a mobilization. January 31, 2022 // Staff Sgt. No matter what the MEB did in Africa, there was always one constant: the presence of COVID-19. The 196th continued the mission despite the downgraded environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. ), conventional long form: Republic of Djibouticonventional short form: Djiboutilocal long form: Republique de Djibouti (French)/ Jumhuriyat Jibuti (Arabic)local short form: Djibouti (French)/ Jibuti (Arabic)former: French Somaliland, French Territory of the Afars and Issasetymology: the country name derives from the capital city of Djibouti, name: Djiboutigeographic coordinates: 11 35 N, 43 09 Etime difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)etymology: the origin of the name is disputed; multiple descriptions, possibilities, and theories have been proposed, 6 districts (cercles, singular - cercle); Ali Sabieh, Arta, Dikhil, Djibouti, Obock, Tadjourah, history: approved by referendum 4 September 1992amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by the National Assembly; Assembly consideration of proposals requires assent of at least one third of the membership; passage requires a simple majority vote by the Assembly and approval by simple majority vote in a referendum; the president can opt to bypass a referendum if adopted by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; constitutional articles on the sovereignty of Djibouti, its republican form of government, and its pluralist form of democracy cannot be amended; amended 2006, 2008, 2010, mixed legal system based primarily on the French civil code (as it existed in 1997), Islamic religious law (in matters of family law and successions), and customary law, accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction, citizenship by birth: nocitizenship by descent only: the mother must be a citizen of Djiboutidual citizenship recognized: noresidency requirement for naturalization: 10 years, chief of state: President Ismail Omar GUELLEH (since 8 May 1999)head of government: Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil MOHAMED (since 1 April 2013)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime ministerelections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term; election last held on 9 April 2021 (next to be held in April 2026); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: 2021: Ismail Omar GUELLEH reelected president for a fifth term; percent of vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH (RPP) 97.4%, Zakaria Ismael FARAH (MDEND) 2.7%2016: Ismail Omar GUELLEH reelected president for a fourth term; percent of vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH (RPP) 87%, Omar Elmi KHAIREH (CDU) 7.3%, other 5.6%, description: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale, formerly the Chamber of Deputies (65 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms)elections: last held on 23 February 2018 (next to be held in February 2023)election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 57, UDJ-PDD 7, CDU 1; composition - men 48, women 17, percent of women 26.2%, highest court(s): Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (consists of NA magistrates); Constitutional Council (consists of 6 magistrates)judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court magistrates appointed by the president with the advice of the Superior Council of the Magistracy (CSM), a 10-member body consisting of 4 judges, 3 members (non parliamentarians and judges) appointed by the president, and 3 appointed by the National Assembly president or speaker; magistrates appointed for life with retirement at age 65; Constitutional Council magistrate appointments - 2 by the president of the republic, 2 by the president of the National Assembly, and 2 by the CSM; magistrates appointed for 8-year, non-renewable termssubordinate courts: High Court of Appeal; 5 Courts of First Instance; customary courts; State Court (replaced sharia courts in 2003), Center for United Democrats or CDU [Ahmed Mohamed YOUSSOUF, chairman]Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Abdillahi HAMARITEH]Djibouti Development Party or PDD [Mohamed Daoud CHEHEM]Front for Restoration of Unity and Democracy (Front pour la Restauration de l'Unite Democratique) or FRUD [Ali Mohamed DAOUD]Movement for Democratic Renewal and Development or MRD (formerly Democratic Renewal Party or PRD) [Daher Ahmed FARAH]National Democratic Party or PND [Aden Robleh AWALEH]People's Rally for Progress or RPP [Ismail Omar GUELLEH] (governing party)Peoples Social Democratic Party or PPSD [Hasna Moumin BAHDON]Republican Alliance for Democracy or ARD [Aden Mohamed ABDOU]Union for Democracy and Justice or UDJ [Ilya Ismail GUEDI Hared]Union for the Presidential Majority coalition or UMP [collective leadership] (electoral coalition includes RPP, FRUD, PPSD, and UPR)Union for National Salvation coalition or USN [collective leadership] (electoral coalition includes ARD, PRD, PDD, UDJ, and PND)Union of Reform Partisans or UPR [Ibrahim Daoud CHEHEM]note: only parties with seats in the National Assembly included, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, ATMIS, AU, CAEU (candidates), COMESA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, MINURSO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed Siad DOUALEH (28 January 2016)chancery: 1156 15th Street NW, Suite 515, Washington, DC 20005telephone: [1] (202) 331-0270FAX: [1] (202) 331-0302email address and website: info@djiboutiembassyus.orghttps://www.djiboutiembassyus.org/, chief of mission: Ambassador Jonathan Goodale PRATT (since 22 February 2021)embassy: Lot 350-B Haramouss, B.P.